The Ratu Kadavulevu School Eels survived a late scare from the Naitasiri Secondary School Panthers to win their South East zone U19 quarter-final clash 16-10 at the Marcellin Primary School ground yesterday.
Trailing 12-4 at the break, a converted try in a late surge from the warriors in black was not enough as the defending champion advanced to the next round.
Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League Association president Akuila Vute commended the Naluwai-based school for their undergoing development which has been evident in the schools competition.
“We see some of these schools testing the big guns due to the development in place,” Vute said.
“Further down the tracks with the right guidance small schools like Naitasiri and Namosi Secondary School will give top teams a run for their money. These are great signs of bigger things to come.”
Naitasiri drew first blood through wing Sikeli Waqavatu but it was the Lodoni machine that was in charge by the break with tries from centre Lemeki Delasau and pivot Iosefo Salele converted by fullback Kelemedi Dralia.
Naitasiri closed the deficit with a try from right centre Emosi Daubitu with pivot Mitieli Ralesi converting.
But it was a power try on 77 minutes by lock forward substitute Tomasi Tobeyaweni that sealed the deal taking the favourites to the next round.
South East zone results:
Under 15 grade: RKS Eels 28-10 Gospel Saints, AOG Sea Eagles 0-6 Latianara Panthers, Nasinu Panthers 42-4 Sacred heart Storm, Sukuna Broncos wbd- Saint Vincent, tier two: Marcellin Bulldogs wbd- William Cross, Sila Tigers vs Shreedhar Sharks (not played)
Under 17 grade: RKS Eels 40-0 Kalabu Steelers, Nasinu Panthers 10-6 Sukuna Broncos, Lelean Bati 32-4 Rishikul Raiders, Marist Storm 16-4 John Wesley Eagles, tier two: Marcelling Bulldogs wbd-Sila Tigers
Under 19 grade: QVS Knights 34-2 Nabua Broncos, RKS Eels 16-10 Naitasiri Panthers, Grammar Titans 22-18 AOG Sea Eagles, tier two: Lelean Bati 16-12 Marist Storm, Nasinu Panthers 43-6 John Wesley Eagles, Latianara Raiders 12-28 Sukuna Broncos.
